1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
-
The Fleet was held off the scoreboard on two power play attempts in the opening frame before tensions continued to mount in the second frame to the enjoyment of an energetic crowd.—
Jason Cooke,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Steyer — a liberal climate fighter — has run an energetic campaign, spending more than $100 million of his own money on TV ads.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The fiery lawmaker, who leads the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party, was charged alongside his bodyguards Anton Snyman, after the video of the incident went viral.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Mercury in your sign is lined up with Neptune, while your ruler fiery Mars gets a boost from Pluto.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Wichí people inhabit an animated world.—
María Carri,
Artforum,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Google suggests using the AI tools in Vids to create animated party flyers, business sizzle reels, or a video greeting card.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite Green giving a spirited defensive effort against Leonard, the Clippers defeated the Warriors 114-102 on March 2.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
From soulful melodies to spirited compositions, her voice carried a timeless brilliance.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But in addition to Cajun, Creole, and soul food institutions, the city continues to welcome new spots serving inventive contemporary Mexican, West African, and Indian cuisines—all which play into the diverse, lively vibe of New Orleans.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
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Illuminated by fairy lights, the market is small but lively and features several stalls where vendors offer everything from spring rolls, seafood, and meats grilled before your eyes to cocktails, fresh fruit, and desserts.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The average lifespan for the spunky toy breed, Maltese is 15 years.—
Katelyn Chef,
Martha Stewart,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The original movie, released in 1999, starred Fraser as treasure hunter who travels to Egypt in the 1920s with a spunky librarian, played by Weisz, only to accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Contending visions of the attorney general’s job Bondi’s tenure illustrates the conflicting visions of what an attorney general should do that animate today’s American politics.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
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The self is made of memories but can also shape them — an animate sculpture able to rework its own clay.—
Eric Boodman,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Trotsky himself had seen that the pragmatist follower who lacks true belief usually ends up on the other side; a passionate believer who lacks pragmatic planning skills usually ends up dead.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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In his speech during the trophy ceremony, McIlroy dedicated a passionate thank you to his family sitting in the front row.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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